fi-

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Esperanto

Etymology

From fi.

Pronunciation

  • (file)
  • IPA(key):

Prefix

fi-

  1. shameful, immoral, corrupt, dissolute, dirty, slutty
    fi- + ‎fama (famous) → ‎fifama (infamous)

Usage notes

  • Unlike the suffix -aĉ-, which indicates a defect in quality or condition, the prefix fi- indicates a defect of morality. Therefore, while both are used to indicate disapproval, they are not synonymous. The difference is similar to the difference between evil and bad in English.

Derived terms

West Makian

Pronunciation

Etymology 1

Prefix

fi-

  1. a prefix of generally unknown function
    1. indicates active involvement
      fi- + ‎co (to see) → ‎fico (to look at, keep an eye on)
    2. derives transitive verbs from intransitive verbs
      fi- + ‎teng (to say) → ‎fiteng (to say (to someone))
    3. derives intransitive verbs from transitive verbs
      fi- + ‎am (to eat (tr.)) → ‎fiam (to eat (intr.))
    4. extends the root semantically
      fi- + ‎toga (to pull up (an anchor)) → ‎fitoga (to withdraw (a machete, etc.))
Usage notes

These are the only four instances of this prefix found in the present data.

Etymology 2

Prefix

fi-

  1. Alternative form of fa- (derivational prefix) when preceded by a root-initial i

Etymology 3

Pronoun

fi-

  1. Alternative form of fa- (you all) when preceded by a root-initial i

Etymology 4

Pronoun

fi-

  1. second-person plural possessive prefix, your

See also

References

  • Clemens Voorhoeve (1982) The Makian languages and their neighbours, Pacific linguistics
  • James Collins (1982) Further Notes Towards a West Makian Vocabulary, Pacific linguistics